UEM Migration Handbook
A practical guide designed to help IT teams successfully migrate from Citrix Endpoint Management to a modern UEM solution.
Microsoft Intune is Microsoft’s endpoint management platform for managing devices, apps, and access policies across supported operating systems, especially in Microsoft-centered IT environments.
IT teams comparing endpoint management platforms often evaluate Microsoft Intune alongside alternatives when reviewing licensing, deployment needs, platform coverage, and integration requirements.
This guide delivers a deep, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode and Microsoft Intune.
Common reasons organizations look for a Microsoft Intune alternative
Organizations may compare Microsoft Intune with alternatives when they need to evaluate factors such as:
- Deployment and configuration requirements before rollout
- User-based licensing and Microsoft 365 bundle options
- Plan, bundle, or add-on requirements for advanced capabilities
- Support for specialized, rugged, kiosk, or dedicated-use devices
For organizations comparing Microsoft-focused endpoint management with a UEM platform designed for mixed device fleets, Hexnode may be evaluated based on deployment needs, device types, and pricing preferences.
Executive Decision Matrix: Hexnode vs Microsoft Intune
Below is a quick high-level comparison to help IT leaders evaluate both platforms.
| Decision Factor | Hexnode UEM | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Breadth | Supports Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Windows, tvOS, Fire OS, Apple visionOS, and the Linux distributions, with kiosk and digital signage capabilities available for supported platforms. | Supports Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, and Microsoft-listed Linux distributions, with capabilities varying by operating system version and enrollment scenario. |
| Dedicated & Kiosk Devices | Supports single-app and multi-app kiosk configurations across documented platforms, with additional options for supported rugged and dedicated-device use cases. | Supports kiosk and dedicated-device scenarios for Windows, Windows Holographic for Business, and Android Enterprise; requirements should be compared by platform, device type, and deployment model. |
| Deployment Architecture | Cloud-based UEM that can be evaluated for standalone management across mixed device environments. | Designed to work with Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft security services, with some capabilities depending on specific licenses, bundles, or integrations. |
| Enrollment Options | Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, Windows Autopilot, QR/email enrollment, bulk provisioning | Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox Enrollment, Windows Autopilot, Company Portal enrollment |
| Policy Governance | Granular OS-level policy controls, scripting, geofencing, kiosk restrictions, encryption enforcement | Supports identity-based access and device compliance workflows through Microsoft Entra ID, Conditional Access, and Intune compliance policies. |
| BYOD Model | OS-native containerization such as Android Work Profiles and managed app controls | App protection policies and conditional access policies for BYOD |
| Remote Support & Troubleshooting | Remote View/Control for supported Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, with platform-specific remote support for iOS and ChromeOS. | Remote Help provides platform-specific support capabilities for Windows, macOS, and Android, with availability depending on the customer’s Microsoft licensing. |
| Licensing Model | Transparent per-device pricing tiers | Commonly licensed per user through Intune and Microsoft 365 plans, with device-only licensing available for certain userless or single-use device scenarios. |
| Cost Efficiency | Per-device pricing can help organizations estimate costs for shared, kiosk, or dedicated-device fleets. | Costs should be evaluated against the organization’s user/device mix, existing Microsoft 365 licenses, add-ons, and any applicable device-only licensing. |
| Ecosystem & Integrations | REST API integrations with ITSM tools, identity providers, messaging platforms, and SIEM tools | Integrates with Microsoft services such as Entra ID, Defender, Configuration Manager, Windows Autopilot, and Microsoft Graph APIs; additional automation or SIEM workflows should be validated for the intended use case. |
| Support & Resources | Multi-channel support including phone, email, live chat, and documentation resources | Support is available through the Microsoft Intune admin center for eligible paid and trial subscriptions, with additional options for customers who have applicable Microsoft support contracts. |
Want to explore the details behind this comparison? Expand the section below for a comprehensive breakdown of platform support, enrollment capabilities, security architecture, integrations, and pricing.
Device & OS Compatibility Deep Dive
Hexnode
Hexnode is a multi-platform UEM solution that supports a range of operating systems and device types, supported platforms include:
- Android (5.0+) with full Android Enterprise support
- iOS/iPadOS (11+)
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- macOS 10.7+
- Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.
- tvOS and Amazon Fire OS
- Apple visionOS devices
Hexnode lists rugged device management and IoT device management among its product areas, making these use cases relevant for organizations managing frontline, shared, or purpose-built endpoints.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune supports endpoint management across Microsoft-listed platforms and is designed to integrate with Microsoft identity, productivity, and security services. Supported platforms include:
- Android Enterprise devices
- iOS/iPadOS 17.x and later for supported devices, with iOS/iPadOS 15.x and later allowed to enroll in certain non-user-affinity scenarios.
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- macOS 14.x and later for supported devices, with macOS 12.x and later allowed to enroll in certain non-user-affinity scenarios.
- Linux support covers the Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions listed in Microsoft’s supported-platforms documentation.
Intune also supports specialized devices such as:
- Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Surface Hub collaboration devices
- ChromeOS management via Chrome Enterprise connectors
Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities
Device Enrollment Methods
Hexnode
Hexnode provides enrollment options for corporate-owned, shared, and BYOD environments across supported platforms. Common enrollment methods include:
- Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)
- Android Zero-Touch Enrollment
- Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment
- Email or QR-code-based enrollment
- Directory authentication via Entra ID, Okta, or Google Workspace
- Bulk provisioning via CSV imports
- Windows provisioning packages
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune supports enrollment and provisioning options that can work with Microsoft identity services, including Entra ID joined device scenarios. Enrollment options include:
- Apple Automated Device Enrollment
- Android Zero-Touch Enrollment
- Samsung Knox enrollment
- Windows Autopilot provisioning
- Enrollment through the Company Portal app
- Automatic enrollment for Entra ID joined devices
Core Device Management Capabilities
Hexnode
Hexnode offers a wide range of device management features including:
- Granular device and user-level policies
- Application management via Apple VPP and Managed Google Play
- Remote View/Control for supported Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices; Remote View for iOS and Remote Access for ChromeOS, subject to platform-specific requirements.
- Device restriction controls for camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and apps
- Kiosk mode for Android, iOS, Windows, and tvOS
- Geofencing and time-based policies
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune emphasizes identity-driven policy enforcement and compliance automation. Core capabilities include:
- Conditional access through Microsoft Entra ID
- Compliance policies with automated remediation
- Role-based access control
- Managed application deployment
- Endpoint analytics for device health
- Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features
Hexnode Security Features
Hexnode focuses on device-level security enforcement and operational control. Key capabilities include:
- Enforcement of BitLocker, FileVault, and mobile encryption
- Detection of rooted or jailbroken devices
- Android Enterprise work profile containerization
- Remote actions such as wipe, lock, reset password, and lost mode
- Geofencing-based security policies
- Remote file transfer and screen capture
Hexnode also supports compliance frameworks such as:
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification
- SOC 2 Type 2 attestation and
- Compliance resources for frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
Microsoft Intune Security Features
Microsoft Intune integrates with Microsoft identity and security services used in Zero Trust-oriented access and compliance workflows. Security capabilities include:
- Conditional access policies
- Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- App protection policies for BYOD
- Endpoint risk scoring and threat analytics
- Data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities
- Integration with Microsoft Sentinel for incident response
Microsoft compliance materials list Intune as in scope for certain compliance offerings, including:
- HIPAA/HITECH support through Microsoft’s BAA
- SOC reports, and ISO standards
Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities
Hexnode Integrations
Hexnode provides integration capabilities through its RESTful JSON API. Supported integrations include:
- Identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace
- ITSM tools like Freshservice, Zendesk, and ServiceDesk Plus
- Messaging platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams
- SIEM tools including Splunk
- Webhooks and custom scripting for automation
Hexnode also lists MSP and multi-tenant management options for organizations that manage multiple customers, departments, or device groups.
Microsoft Intune Integrations
Microsoft Intune can be accessed and automated through Microsoft Graph APIs and integrates with several Microsoft identity, device, and security services. Key integrations include:
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Microsoft Defender
- Microsoft Sentinel
- ServiceNow
- Power Automate and Logic Apps
- Configuration Manager and Windows Autopilot
Organizations already using Microsoft identity, productivity, and security tools may prefer Intune’s native alignment with those services.
Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Hexnode Pricing
Hexnode lists per-device pricing tiers, allowing organizations to estimate costs based on the number of managed devices and selected plan. Plans include:
- Pro
- Enterprise
- Ultimate
- Ultra
Hexnode’s published pricing lists Pro at $2.20, Enterprise at $3.20, and Ultimate at $4.70 per device/month in USD, while Ultra is listed as ‘Request Pricing.
Microsoft Intune Pricing
Microsoft Intune is commonly licensed per user through Intune and Microsoft 365 plans, and Microsoft also offers device-only licensing for certain userless or single-use devices.
Common Microsoft options include Intune Plan 1, Intune Plan 2 add-on, and Microsoft Intune Suite add-on.
Many organizations receive Intune bundled with:
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
Advanced capabilities may require specific Intune plans, Suite licensing, standalone add-ons, or eligible Microsoft 365 bundles, depending on the customer’s existing licenses.
Customer Support & Resources
Hexnode Support
Hexnode provides direct support channels for administrators. Support options include:
- Phone support in multiple regions
- Email support
- Live chat assistance
- Ticketing system within the portal
- Additional support options, where available under the customer’s Hexnode plan or support agreement.
Additional learning resources include:
- Hexnode Help Center
- Hexnode Academy training
- Webinars and tutorials
- Community forum (Hexnode Connect)
Microsoft Intune Support
Microsoft Intune support is available through the Intune admin center for eligible paid and trial subscriptions, with available options depending on the customer’s subscription and support contract. Support resources include:
- Microsoft Unified Support or applicable legacy support-contract options
- Extensive official documentation
- Microsoft Tech Community
- Microsoft Q&A forums
- In-product support within the admin portal
Microsoft Intune Alternative: Common Questions
Which platform offers better support for rugged or kiosk devices?
Hexnode supports kiosk and rugged-device management use cases across documented platforms and integrations, including options for supported Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, and tvOS deployments. Microsoft Intune supports documented kiosk and dedicated-device scenarios for Windows, Windows Holographic for Business, and Android Enterprise; rugged-device requirements should be compared by device model, OS, enrollment method, and licensing.
Is Microsoft Intune only suitable for organizations using Microsoft 365?
Microsoft Intune is designed to work closely with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft security services. Some capabilities depend on specific Microsoft services, licenses, bundles, or add-ons, so organizations should review the requirements for the features they plan to use. Organizations using diverse infrastructure or non-Microsoft identity systems may compare Intune with UEM platforms such as Hexnode based on integration needs, device mix, and administrative workflows.
Is Microsoft Intune more expensive than other UEM solutions?
Microsoft Intune is commonly licensed per user, but Microsoft also offers device-only licensing for certain userless or single-use devices; total cost should be evaluated against the organization’s user/device mix and existing Microsoft licenses.
If your organization uses Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft Defender as core parts of its IT environment, Microsoft Intune can provide endpoint management within that Microsoft ecosystem.
But if your priority is managing a mixed fleet across multiple operating systems, including kiosks, rugged devices, and dedicated-use endpoints, Hexnode may be worth evaluating for its documented platform support and per-device pricing model.
The most effective way to compare the two platforms is to validate the required devices, policies, integrations, support options, and licensing assumptions in a hands-on evaluation.
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Start Your Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Features, platform support, licensing, and pricing for Hexnode and Microsoft Intune are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official websites of both companies for the most current information. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
